Police in Nakuru have arrested a 17-year-old girl in connection with the horrific murder of 3-year-old Margaret Wanjiru Kirathe.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations in a statement on Monday said the suspect was apprehended in Menengai following swift police action and intelligence gathering.
According to the DCI, the arrest was made shortly after authorities received a troubling report about a young child who had been found unconscious approximately 50 metres from PCEA Shalom Mchanganyiko Church
Witnesses at the scene told the police that the toddler had vanished during a church gathering, prompting a search by congregants.
The child was discovered unresponsive and was immediately rushed to hospital, but was declared dead.
"Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect reportedly lured little Margaret away from the church, leading her to a secluded place, where she strangled her using a piece of cloth," the DCI said.
The exact motive behind the appalling act remains unknown, even as detectives continue to piece together the events that led to the child’s death.
Acting on crucial intelligence, the police tracked the suspect to her residence in Judea Village, situated within Menengai Sublocation in Kiamaina Ward.
Investigators said that security camera footage from nearby premises captured critical moments, including the movements of the suspect before and after the alleged crime.
This footage has been described as pivotal in confirming the suspect’s involvement.
Additionally, police officers recovered clothing believed to have been worn by the suspect during the crime, along with the cloth that was allegedly used to carry out the brutal strangulation. The items are now being held as key evidence in the case.
"Upon arrest, officers recovered the clothes the suspect wore during the commission of the offence as captured on CCTV, as well as the piece of cloth used to commit the heinous act," the DCI said.
The suspect was taken into custody and is awaiting arraignment in court.
Authorities have confirmed that she will be arraigned in
court once investigations are complete and charges are formally filed.
